Isis, Janssen partner to develop RNA-targeted treatments for GI autoimmune diseases

Isis Pharmaceuticals has announced a new global collaboration with Janssen Biotech to develop antisense drugs for the treatment of autoimmune diseases affecting the gastrointestinal tract, according to a company press release.

The agreement combines Isis’ RNA-targeted technology with Janssen’s expertise in autoimmune disorders and therapeutic formulation in an effort to develop antisense drugs that can be locally administered, the release said.

“We are excited to be working with Janssen to apply our drug discovery and development efforts in this therapeutic area,” B. Lynne Parshall, Isis COO, said in the release. “This collaboration broadens the utility of our drug discovery technology to new targets in the GI tract and expands the administration of antisense drugs to local delivery, including oral delivery, to the gut.”

The agreement covers three programs and designates $35 million to Isis for initiation of the first collaboration target. Isis is also eligible to receive an estimated $800 million for development, regulations, sales and license fees, as well as royalties from successfully commercialized products. Janssen retains licensing options under the terms of the agreement, as well, according to the release.

“We are the leader in RNA-targeted therapeutics and our innovation and the successes of our pipeline drugs enable us to form collaborations, like this one, with leaders in specific therapeutic areas,” Parshall said. “This partnering strategy ensures that we have access to resources that support and enhance our drug discovery efforts and also provides us with collaborators, like Janssen, who are uniquely capable of conducting development, marketing and commercial efforts for these drugs.”